Introduction:
In today’s digital age, information security is a critical aspect of any organization’s operations.
Failure to properly secure information can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liability.
It is therefore essential that organizations regularly review their information risk and security arrangements to ensure they are suitable for their objectives.
A key component of this process is the independent review of information security.
In this article, we will explore the requirements of A.18.2.1 of ISO 27001, which focuses on independent reviews of information security.
Sample Checklist:
- Are the organization’s information risk and security arrangements reviewed for suitability in line with its objectives by independent internal or external auditors?
- Are audit requirements involving checks on operational systems carefully planned, authorized, conducted and controlled to minimize risks to the business?
- Are audit objectives and scopes agreed and authorized by appropriate management?
- Is access to information system audit tools/software adequately controlled to prevent misuse and compromise?
- Are system audit tools prohibited from or protected on corporate systems, outside of authorized audits
- Are audit findings recorded and acted on, and are audit records securely preserved for future reference?
Conclusion:
Regular independent reviews of information security are essential to ensure that an organization’s information risk and security arrangements remain suitable for its objectives.
Compliance with A.18.2.1 of ISO 27001 requires organizations to carefully plan, authorize, conduct, and control audit requirements involving checks on operational systems.
Additionally, access to information system audit tools/software must be adequately controlled to prevent misuse and compromise, and audit findings must be recorded and acted on, with audit records securely preserved for future reference.
By implementing and following these measures, organizations can significantly enhance their information security posture and minimize the risks associated with cyber threats.
